Do the Right Thing by Keshia Winder

Keshia Winder

Film Analysis 2012

Dr. Permenter

Do the Right Thing Blog 4

                Spike lee’s Do the Right Thing is a nostalgic reminder of living among a society of people who want more for themselves and have not connected the dots of how to retrieve a productive living. In the beginning of the film before the title appears the audience is giving a perception of an Africana Conscious flick but introducing the film with the National Negro Anthem; the second rhythm we hear is Fight the Power by Public Enemy. These sounds introduce a message before we see any major characters. Emerson’s critique is correct; Spike Lee indeed depiction of Caucasian business inside a predominately black neighborhood creates societal tension. 

                Two interesting scenes in the duration of the building up of conflict were in Sal’s restaurant while Sal was speaking with Mookie the camera highlighted Sal at low angle, making him appear larger and powerful; therefore leaving Mookie in a submissive possession.  In addition, the Mayor’s and Mother-Sister’s relationship was much the same. Mother-sister sits high and looks low upon the entire block while the Mayor (deemed most powerful drunk) walks the block back and forth depicted from a high angled camera. These simple adjustments suggest a shift occurring later in the film. Perhaps eye-level view or even a kind gesture among the two elders.  

                The second interesting depiction reoccurring throughout the film is the only owners, respected authority figures, or individuals with cars are Caucasians. The black natives of the community walk, sit around and complain offended. Buddy’s altercation with the Caucasian male, who bumped him and scuffed his sneakers revealed the importance of ownership in the black community. The white male owned the brownstone in the community; while the black people suggested they owned the property of the block and decide who moves in. Although this could have been an explosive moment, it was not until Radio Raheim was killed by the police that caused an uproar and separation among races. 

Mise en scene became very apparent towards the end. In the mist of chaos objects of daily use was readily available to use as weapons and symbolic objects. The radio’s death initiated Rahiems death, his identity is connected to the radio and the trash can that Mookie used to begin the raid represented a release of frustration inviting hate to flood. Mookie was tooled as the gate keeper under Sal’s leadership to keep his people in order therefore he used his role in opposition allowing them to destroy the establishment.